ECLIPSE : Corrupted Spark (6) (A Sonic Fanfic)

Mobius began to heal.

Cities rose again from the ashes. Roads were cleared, homes rebuilt. For the first time in weeks, laughter echoed down the streets, not screams. Lanterns glowed in windows late into the night. Life had returned.

And yet... something was wrong.

Somewhere in the outskirts of the newly restored Station Square, a scream was swallowed by the silence.

A body was found the next morning. Then another the week after. All in the same state-twisted, hollow, faces locked in expressions of fear. No trace of struggle. No trace of the attacker.

The world turned its head toward Aether.

Not because he was suspicious... but because he was smiling.

Too much.

Too wide.

Too often.

He joked. He laughed. He joined every meal, every celebration. He acted like someone finally free of pain.

But those closest to him began to whisper.

Sonic watched him a little too long. Blaze frowned after every cheerful word. Espio and Shadow stayed quiet, but alert.

Because Aether had changed.